iDol II: A Drone Inspired by F1 Racing Cars

Designed by Ming-Iung Chen and Wenke Zhang, iDol II is a compact, intelligent drone for aerial photography.

Designers Ming-Iung Chen and Wenke Zhang were driven by the need for a more accessible way to achieve bird's-eye view photography. The cost of using helicopters for such shots is prohibitive for most photographers, making the development of civilian drones a necessity. The iDol II drone is not only compact and easy to carry, but its exterior design, inspired by F1 racing cars, gives it an appearance of speed and agility.

The iDol II drone's unique properties lie in its three-dimensional folding design. Its arms and thrusters are perfectly retractable, optimizing its size for portability. The drone can take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters, reach a top speed of 50 kilometers per hour, and boasts a maximum flight time of 21 minutes. It can be connected to a smartphone App, allowing users to set up the location and path of up to 40 flight paths.

The realization of the iDol II drone involved several innovative techniques. The housing is injection molded, with the surface texture and high-gloss effect integrated into the mold without additional post-processing. The tail wing part is painted with a metallic paint and UV coating, and four pedestals are placed in the bottom by a two-color injection molding process, providing a buffer for unmanned landing.

The design process was not without its challenges. The team had to ensure the drone's compact size without infringing on any patents, maintain a certain distance between the blade and the fuselage to avoid interference during flight, and overcome the problem of airframe resonance. To tackle the latter, they built three different prototypes for testing and improvement.

The iDol II drone's design and functionality have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, it was awarded Silver in A' Digital and Electronic Device Design Award, a prestigious accolade given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, the iDol II drone is a testament to the power of design and innovation. It's a tool that not only meets the needs of photographers but also pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of aerial photography. With its sleek design and advanced features, it's no wonder that this drone is making waves in the industry.